Extreme DIY!

I was going to blip a wonderful view of the Yorkshire Dales taken on today's walk, but this was a shot I couldn't resist! View large.

To look at him I would guess this gentleman was in his late 70's or early 80's.
I think he was building this house for his son, who was mixing the cement.
The photo was taken in the lovely little village of Conistone, not far from Grassington.
I noticed him when we parked the car at the begining of the walk, about 10am. This was taken at 3pm when we got back from the walk.
Each stone was being placed so carefully. It was a slow but sure process., but what a beautiful wall. So neat.
It seemed to be an extension to an old barn which was being converted into a house.
I think we may go back in a few weeks time, just to see how far he has got.

We did have a good walk. Fine weather, but no sun, which was perfect for walking.
From Conistone we walked up Mastiles Lane and over Malham Moor, before dropping back down to Conistone.

Mastiles Lane is an histoic lane which connects the former monastic grange of Kilnsey in Wharfedale with the Malham area.
It has been in use for over 2000 years, as a trade route,Roman marching camp,drovers lane and played a vital role in monastic times.

During the second half of the 1st century AD, the Roman army campaigned in the north of England against the rebellious Brigantes tribe, which ruled much of this area. The remains of Mastiles Lane Roman marching camp straddle the course present -day route, though today there is very little to see.

The medieval monks of Fountains Abbey owned vast acreage of pastureland across the dales which were used for the management of their great flocks of sheep. Wool became an important commodity to the monks and generated vast wealth for the abbeys of Yorkshire, and this lane provided the means to move these flocks, wool and provisions around with relative ease.

After the dissolution of the monastries,in the 18th century, drovers from all over the north of England and from Scotland brought cattle to the local markets, and many other traders and travellers too used the old lane as a through road to the cities and towns of Yorkshire and Lancashire.
It is still used by farmers, but now also by walkers, and cyclists.

As always in that part of the dales you get amazing views, wonderful limestone outcrops. The old dry stone walls cris crossing the land scape,and at the moment an abundance of wild flowers.

Another great day out, and this time finished with tea and scones at Kilnsey Trout Farm tea shop!

Now time for a soak in a hot bath!